The largest bond proposal in KPS history will raise nearly $100 million for the replacement of Edison Environmental Science Academy, additions to Phoenix High School, upgrades to school facilities, construction of a district-wide kitchen and more than $4 million of improvements to school security.

The bond passed with about 70 percent in support, 5,940 votes of 8,450 total votes.

Passing the bond is a "strong endorsement" for the school and what it is doing for the community, he said.

"We have a responsibility as citizens to help make our children's education the best we can," Rice said about the community's support.

The proposal would increase taxes $62.50 annually for the owner of a $100,000 home.

About $45 million will go toward facility upgrades to roofs, boilers and parking lots, replacement of buses, playground equipment, food service equipment, art and music equipment, furniture and library books. The money will help create an additional 200,000 square feet of new air conditioned space in Kalamazoo's schools.

The Edison Environmental Science Academy will be replaced with a $25.6 million building. Nearly $7 million will go toward four classrooms, a gym, locker rooms, restrooms and office space in Phoenix High School.

It will replace the original 1923 building and relocate the school's transportation center, where school buses are kept. Demolition and construction are not expected for two years, Board of Education Vice President Carol McGlinn said.

The passing of the proposal "means getting things for our schools that our students need," Pam McKenzie, first grade teacher at King-Westwood Elementary, said.

"It feels good," she said about the community's support of education. "Especially because today is Teacher Appreciation Day. Sometimes you don't feel that people support you, but when something like this happens, you know they do."

More than $4 million will go toward improved security measures, including secured entrances and security equipment. The changes will direct visitors to the school office before they are able to enter the rest of the building.

The bond will also supply $9.5 million for new technology such as Chromebooks, desktop computers, network electronics, network printer replacement and classroom AV replacement.

A district-wide kitchen, which will increase the district's ability to cook from scratch, will be funded with about $5 million of the funds. Lastly, about $100,000 would pay for costs associated with bond issuance.